Jim Prescott-Smith
How long have you worshiped at Saint Philip’s?
Since about 2000 which was a year after we moved to Tucson from Winnetka, Illinois.
Were you raised in a faith tradition?
I was born into an Episcopalian family but also worshiped at Presbyterian churches.
What about Saint Philip’s appeals to you?
So many things: the theology of inclusiveness, the parishioners, the commitment to Christian education, the beautiful grounds, the preaching, and the music (even though I can’t sing a note).
What are some of the volunteer roles you’ve held?
I served on the Vestry, and was Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee. I was also one of the original Trustees of the Ministry Endowment Funds Trust (MEFT).
Before COVID I oversaw the hospital visitor ministry. I’ve also been a delegate to the Diocesan Convention. And I’ve been an usher since I joined Saint Philip’s.
How do you volunteer now?
I still usher and now also help with the Columbarium.
What inspires you to volunteer?
I was raised in a tradition of public service. My father was Senior Warden and elected the Township Supervisor (an unpaid position). My mother was on the school Board.
My three siblings and I follow their examples. I find my volunteer work is very fulfilling; I always grow and learn from being involved.
What did you do professionally before retiring?
I was a commercial banker.
What about that work did you find engaging?
It was detail oriented, complex, and required that I exercise judgment. And it provided a good living.
Did you ever consider a different career?
I would have been an Episcopal priest.
What changed your mind?
A really good teacher in high school ignited my interest in chemistry. And then I took another hard left and ended up in economics and banking.
But you didn’t abandon formal ministry entirely, did you?
That’s right. I became a deacon. But that was when I attended a Presbyterian church (in Winnetka, Illinois).
The parish was large so the various deacons were each responsible for a cadre of 20 families or so. We stayed in touch and ministered to the different needs that arose. That’s where I developed my interest in hospital visitations.
How do you relax?
I spend way too much time on the computer. I keep up with the news and watch Weekend Update with Stephen Colbert.
I also follow the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and enjoy the University of Arizona’s Arts and Science offerings—especially astronomy.
What’s something you’re proud of?
I’m proud of my family—all six kids. I think they’ve turned out well and are passing that along to the next generation. Our oldest grandson is an Eagle Scout and will graduate from Kings College in London.
What’s something you’re passionate about?
Kairos Prison Ministry.
Kairos is 48 years old. It’s a lay-led ministry with 30,000 volunteers in 37 states and 12 countries. It has three programs in the Diocese of Arizona, but it’s non-denominational.
For the past ten years I’ve been involved with the program that serves residents inside Arizona correctional facilities.
What is Kairos’ mission?
The ministry’s mission is to share the transforming love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ so the hearts and lives of the incarcerated men are impacted in a way that they become loving and productive citizens in their communities.
How do you carry that out?
Essentially, by planting churches inside the prison walls.
Twice a year I join a team of other trained volunteers for a four-day weekend inside a prison. Participants choose to sign up through the prison chaplain.
We conduct exercises that help the incarcerated men change their paradigm and follow Jesus’ teachings instead of what a gang preaches. I’ve seen these men gain true freedom within prison walls. And they express genuine affection and love for one another.
What have you learned from being a part of this ministry?
I’m not a real fan of private prisons but I’ve learned that the people who work there have good intentions and do their best to ensure safety and welfare of the inmates.
A good number of inmates have told me that going to prison saved their lives because—while on the street—they were on a trajectory that would have had them killed within a year. They say that being in prison gave them an opportunity to rethink their life.
What’s something you find challenging?
Not talking when it would be wise not to speak.
What’s one of your core values?
The two great commandments: love God and love my neighbor. Sharing that with inmates is what keeps me involved in the prison ministry.
I’m definitely not a saint and often fail to act with as much charity or mercy as I would like, but I try.
What have you learned with age?
My limitations! If I’m asked to do something I’m really not good at or don’t enjoy doing, I’ve learned to say no. I now trust that the person asking will find someone else better suited for the task.
What’s something you’re grateful for?
I’m grateful for our country—for our republic. We occasionally lose our way but so far we’ve always recovered by following the guiding principles of our founders, and the energy and good intentions of the people. So keep the faith!
What’s one of your super powers?
A sense of humor to try to lighten up tense situations—often with a very bad pun.
What’s something that friends say they appreciate about you?
They’ve told me they like that I’m always ready to try something new.
And what’s something new you’ve done recently?
My wife, Jane, and I travel a lot now. Our most recent trips were to Australia, New Zealand, and France.
Last summer, I returned to white water rafting for the first time in many years while we visited our son in Idaho. I broke my wrist—the first broken bone in my 82 years. But it was exciting!
What might people be surprised to learn about you?
That I’m a life-long Boy Scout. I grew up in the upper midwest and have three weekends of tent camping in temperatures below 25 degrees Fahrenheit under my belt. I did that the first time as a young boy because I wanted to earn a special Boy Scout patch.
What’s something you’d like readers to know?
That I would love to speak with anyone who’s curious about the prison ministry I’m involved in. My contact information is in the online directory, Breeze.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I broke the lake ice and did the Polar Bear Plunge while at Wooster College in Ohio.
